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Red Light Camera Repeal Gets Narrow Committee OK
February 15, 2013
A relatively new state law allowing local governments to use cameras to catch red light runners would be repealed under a bill that narrowly passed in the House Economic Affairs Committee on Thursday.
The nearly two-hour debate ranged from drivers’ constitutional rights to the plight of ticketed tourists to studies showing reduced injuries at intersections after red-light cameras were installed.
The law has been under attack almost since state lawmakers voted in 2010 to allow local governments to use the cameras.
This year’s repeal bill (HB 4011), a bipartisan effort sponsored by Reps. Daphne Campbell, D-Miami, and Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, was approved 10-8 by the Economic Affairs panel, its first committee stop in the House.
Trujillo touched a chord with Republican lawmakers, most of whom voted for the bill, by arguing that public safety isn’t worth sacrificing constitutional rights.
“We’re willing to compromise the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution: the right against self-incrimination for self-perceived safety,” he said. “That’s the road we’re going down. We’re willing to tell somebody, ‘You are guilty until proven innocent.’”
Law enforcement interests and municipal governments, which get a portion of the fines paid by red light runners, are strongly opposed to the measure.
“I think it’s obvious that it does change people’s driving behaviors, and I think it is obvious that it also helps to save lives and prevent people from having serious injuries,” said Haines City Police Chief Rick Sloan.
Last month, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released a report showing that crashes were less frequent at intersections monitored by red light cameras. The report, based on data from 73 agencies, found accidents were less frequent at monitored intersections in 41 jurisdictions but more frequent at monitored intersections in 11 jurisdictions.
The panel also debated the question of local governments, law enforcement agencies and contractors making money from the fines.
“This law is strictly revenue driven,” Campbell said.
According to Kathleen Russell, a lobbyist for the City of Orlando, the city took in $6.1 million over the last two years and turned over $3.1 million to the state. After Orlando paid its costs, she said, its profit from the fines was $300,000.
“Whether we’re going to call it a fine, a tax or not, I feel like when we’re creating a system that … allows maybe excessive fines to be produced, I don’t think it is the best interests of what we should be doing for the citizens,” said Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Panama City. The Republican committee chairman, voted for the repeal bill.
Campbell alleged that having red light cameras at intersections discriminates against minorities, the elderly and the poor based on where they are placed, though law enforcement officials denied that was the case.
The Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald reported last week that Campbell’s husband’s Honda Odyssey minivan had been caught on camera running a red light five times since the law passed. Campbell told the newspapers she only knew about one of those and doubted that others had occurred. She declined to be comment after Thursday’s committee hearing.
The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee, its last stop before reaching the House floor, but so far, the measure has no Senate sponsor.
By The News Service of Florida
Comments
13 Responses to “Red Light Camera Repeal Gets Narrow Committee OK”
REGARDING:
“Perhaps the most interesting fact is at red light camera intersections all across America, when the yellow light was extended to 3.75 to 4 seconds, not only did accidents DECREASE at these same intersections, but also the number of violators DECREASED to the point the cameras were no longer profitable and were taken down.”
Fairness strongly suggests extending the amber light duration.
Reason strongly suggests if cameras exist, they should be operated by the governing body, not a third party taking a cut of any fines.
That said, it is irritating to see people run a light which has been red so long that one vehicle has already started out on green from the other side. It is even more irritating when three vehicles go through on red — one after the other.
I have seen it and you have seen it and it is deadly. Whatever can stop them should be considered.
David for safer trips
safer children
I have received a ticket for someone else driving my car and running a red light in Gulf Breeze. And I paid it – not knowing I could fight it. That does not make me not appreciate the fact that it DOES work. I believe it does save lives and I can hardly believe that so many people are against it. How is getting caught by a machine a violation of our constitutional rights when someone who is driving recklessly can end someone else’s life?
This is a subject I have done extensive research on and the whole truth isn’t being told here. Here are the facts.
At intersections with a high incident rate it was found that the yellow light, warning motorists of a change is ALWAYS too short. The ideal time for the yellow light is 3.75 to 4 full seconds. Many states have a statewide standard for this, but many cities seem to ignore it.
Perhaps the most interesting fact is at red light camera intersections all across America, when the yellow light was extended to 3.75 to 4 seconds, not only did accidents DECREASE at these same intersections, but also the number of violaters DECREASED to the point the cameras were no longer profitable and were taken down.
And of course, it was found many municipalities had actually shortened the yellow light times, for obvious reasons
Wow, so many people ready and willing to give up there freedoms to a government that only sees dollar signs not safety.
These cameras have been in use in Europe for decades.
Don’t see anything wrong with the cameras. Once you have been in a wreck from someone running a red light you will appreciate those cameras. I have noticed a difference and appreciate it.
When a money making scheme is on the line you can forget all the “reports” from biased agencies. If they were really concerned about the safety issue they wold have cops watching the intersections!
CONSIDERING:
“Law enforcement should never be seen as a revenue source,”
Still, it is good when public servants pay their way and don’t cost the law-abiding citizens anything.
“The other problem is that this tickets the car, not the driver. It ASSUMES the registered OWNER is driving.”
It assumes the owner of the vehicle is responsible for his vehicle.
It assumes vehicles don’t drive themselves.
It does not assume a criminal act., rather an action which can be fined.
“The Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald reported last week that Campbell’s husband’s Honda Odyssey minivan had been caught on camera running a red light five times since the law passed. Campbell told the newspapers she only knew about one of those and doubted that others had occurred. She declined to be comment after Thursday’s committee hearing.”
At least we can see why SHE wanted to put an end to it. I doubt she wanted her husband’s repeated actions made known, though.
David for lawful driving in public sight
So, has anyone else noticed that intersections WITH cameras on them don’t have as many red-light runners (or accidents) as interstions that are known NOT to have them. Sounds like they are working to me!
Simple, you run the light you get a ticket. You loan YOUR vehicle to someone that runs the light, you get the ticket (your tag). What happens if you loan your vehicle to someone that runs the light and kills another person? Take responsibility for you and yours, stop making excuses. If a friends actions result in you getting a ticket, take it to court and prove it (and then don’t loan them the vehicle again).
And as far as violating constutional rights and insunuating that it “discriminates against minorities, the elderly and the poor based on where they are placed”, it is just an excuse to get them removed. Sounds to me like it discrimates against bad drivers, not age race or economical standing.
John for common sense…
@bill l,
Be alert, i think big brother is watching you already.
These camera’s are crap! My friends husband (they live in Pensacola) received a ticket in the mail for running a light in Ft. Myers. He has NEVER been to Ft. Myers!
Tell me how that works???
Beware this is Big Brother watching over you, They are hiding this in the name of safety.
Law enforcement should never be seen as a revenue source, especially when provided by a “contractor” who gets an almost 50% cut of the take.
The other problem is that this tickets the car, not the driver. It ASSUMES the registered OWNER is driving. That may or may not be the case. Never the less the owner must prove they were not driving or get the fine and points.